Although Nnaife does not marry another woman by choice, because his brother dies he inherits several new wives. On the arrival of the news of the death of Nniafe’s brother, Nnu Ego realizes that “These men were there to break bad news. All the same, like a good woman, she must do what she was told, she must not question her husband in front of his friends” (114). Although desperately concerned about what news these men might bring, Nnu Ego must act dutifully and fulfill her role as a humble and unobtrusive wife. During the first night that Nnaife spends with his new wife, Adaku, Nnu Ego “tried to block her ears, yet could still hear Adaku’s exaggerated carrying on. Nnu Ego tossed in agony and anger all night, going through in her imagination what was taking place behind the curtained bed” (124). Evidently 3rd world sexism tears women apart by toying with their learned responsibilities and natural habits. While a man pleasurably takes a woman into his bed his senior wife is forced to sleep on the echoing floor, listening to the moans of another woman. By subjecting his wife to this kind of treatment, Nnaife “gained the respect and even the fear of his wife Nnu Ego. He could even now afford to beat her up, if she went beyond the limits he could stand” (117). Societal bylaws actually encourage Nniafe to beat his wife, demonstrating his control over her. Emecheta describes one specific beating: “Nnaife lost his temper and banged the guitar he was holding against her head” (91). 3rd world sexism occurs when men acquire multiply wives, degrading the importance of individuality among women and establishing their sole responsibility as child bearer.
As far as activism in the 3rd world goes, in Bodily Harm Atwood, referring to activism on the Islands, explains, “You’d never see a local woman wearing shorts or even pants, they think its degenerate. If they started behaving like that their men would beat the shit out of them. If you tried any of that Women’s Lib stuff down here they’d only laugh. They say that’s for white women” (140). Compared to 1st world anti sexist activism, the 3rd world remains tangled in the chains of female slavery. The 1st world experiences sexism through dismemberment, perversion, under acknowledgement, and strong gender roles, while the 3rd world experiences sexism through polygamy, limited female power, and extreme gender responsibilities. Despite the hopelessness that seems to encompass both worlds, anti sexist activism gradually gnaws through those stubborn chains and brings equality despite gender.